And, we’re back. This week–as we head into oyster season–Asimov and the panel break out the Muscadet, a wine commonly heralded for its compatibility with this prized bivalve. Coincidentally, this past weekend we began our annual Muscadet binge, which will likely extend through November, or the following August. (Our research shows that it’s best to make it a year-round thing.) It can be drunk without food out of solo cups at sunset, during late September when the beach is just starting to require a sweater. It can be drunk on a porch with peel-and-eat shrimp during the heat of the day. Or, if you don’t live in some idyllic New England fantasy, it can be drunk in your apartment with seafood, white meats, and in t-shirt, during any damn month of the year. It’s a wine whose subtlety allows it to exist as a backdrop, but not without a few pointed moments of very satisfying distraction.
The panel’s top ten picks and where you can buy them:
Andre-Michel Brégeon Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine 2008
Where to buy: Astor Wines
Famille Luneau Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine, Château des Fromenteaux Clos du Poyet Vieilles Vignes 2009
Where to buy: Amanti Vino (NJ)
Jo Landron Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine, Domaine de la Louvetrie Le Fief du Breil 2008
Where to buy: Saratoga Wine Exchange
Marc Ollivier Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine, Domaine de la Pépière Les Gras Mouton 2009
Where to buy: Chambers Street Wines
Domaine de la Pinardière, Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine 2009
Where to buy: Grand Wine Cellar
Bonnet-Huteau Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine, Cuvée La Levraudière 2009
Where to buy: Astor Wines
Luc et Jérôme Choblem Muscadet, Côtes de Grandlieu Clos de la Sénaigerie 2009
Where to buy: Sherry-Lehmann
Luneau-Papin Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine, Domaine Pierre de la Grange 2008
Where to buy: Astor Wines
Domaine de l’Aurière, Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine 2009
Where to buy: Astor Wines
Château la Noë, Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine 2009
Where to buy: Westchester Wine Warehouse
